In the therapeutic relationship, reciprocity is not to be expected (and probably not beneficial). There is a structural difference between patient and therapist such that the focus is on the needs of the patient and the therapist should at least try to refrain from placing demands on the patient.

But there can be mutuality, which might sound the same as reciprocity, but is different. There has to be mutual recognition at some point in the process of therapy. It may not be mutual at the beginning. The patient may not have the ability to recognize the therapist as a subject at first. This interpersonal dimension is something that has to be achieved and is not necessarily a given.